Methods and apparatus for improving the sensitivity of capillary zone electrophoresis

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to novel methods and apparatus for improving the sensitivity of capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE). The invention particularly concerns devices comprising a channel that contains an in-line sol-gel column to concentrate samples being subjected to capillary zone electrophoresis, and the use of such devices to enhance the sensitivity of capillary zone electrophoresis.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No.60/693,047 (filed on Jun. 23, 2005), which application is hereinincorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to novel methods and apparatus forimproving the sensitivity of capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE). Theinvention particularly concerns devices comprising a channel thatcontains an in-line sol-gel column to concentrate samples beingsubjected to capillary zone electrophoresis, and the use of such devicesto enhance the sensitivity of capillary zone electrophoresis.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There is a growing need for analysis of biomolecules, includingproteins, polypeptides and DNA. Capillary electrophoresis (CE) is aprocess for separating molecules based on their size or charge. Incapillary electrophoresis molecules are introduced into a fluid-filledcapillary tube and subjected to an electric field (see, Kemp, G. (1998)“CAPILLARY ELECTROPHORESIS: A VERSATILE FAMILY OF ANALYTICALTECHNIQUES,” Biotechnol. Appl. Biochem. 27:9-17; Wu, D. et al. (1992).Capillary electrophoresis techniques are reviewed by Schwartz, H. et al.(“SEPARATION OF PROTEINS AND PEPTIDES BY CAPILLARYEPLECTROPHORESIS:APPLICATION TO ANALYTICAL BIOTECHNOLOGY,” BeckmanBioResearch Literature No. 727484).

Capillary electrophoresis (CE) has become an attractive alternative totraditional slab gel electrophoresis for biomolecular separations due toits ability to provide fast, highly efficient sample separations withminimal sample volume requirements (Monton, M. R. (2005) “RECENTDEVELOPMENTS IN CAPILLARY ELECTROPHORESIS-MASS SPECTROMETRY OF PROTEINSAND PEPTIDES,” Anal Sci. 21(1):5-13). Numerous approaches foraccomplishing capillary electrophoresis have been previously described(see, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos.: RE37,606; 6,440,284; 6,436,646;6,410,668; 6,372,353; 6,358,385; 6,355,709; 6,316,201; 6,306,273;6,274,089; 6,235,175; 6,153,073; 6,129,826; 6,107,044; 6,074,542;6,068,752; 6,042,710; 6,033,546; 6,001,232; 5,989,399; 5,976,336;5,964,995; 5,958,694; 5,948,227; 5,916,426; 5,891,313; 5,846,395;5,840,388; 5,777,096; 5,741,411; 5,728,282; 5,695,626; 5,665,216;5,582,705; 5,580,016; 5,567,292; 5,552,028; 5,545,302; 5,534,123;5,514,543; 5,503,722; 5,423,966; 5,421,980; 5,384,024; 5,374,527;5,370,777; 5,364,520; 5,332,481; 5,310,462; 5,292,416; 5,292,372;5,264,101; 5,259,939; 5,139,630; 5,120,413; 5,112,460; 5,015,350;4,865,706). Two primary separation mechanisms are commonly used in CE:procedures in which separations are obtained based on differences in themolecular size of analytes, and procedures in which separation isachieved by exploiting differences in the charge density (charge/massratio) of analytes.

“Capillary Gel Electrophoresis” (“CGE”) is used to separate analytesbased on differences in their molecular size. Typically, CGE is carriedout using gel matrices of controlled pore sizes. Separations result fromdifferences in the abilities of different sized molecule to penetratethe gel matrix. Size separation is achieved because small molecules movemore rapidly through the separation gel than large molecules. In orderto employ CGE with polypeptides and proteins, it is generally necessaryto denature the molecules (for example, with sodium dodecyl sulfate(SDS)), so that all of the analytes will have the same effective chargedensity. CGE is discussed in Bean, S. R. et al. (1999) (“SODIUM DODECYLSULFATE CAPILLARY ELECTROPHORESIS OF WHEAT PROTEINS. 1. UNCOATEDCAPILLARIES,” J. Agric. Food Chem 47(10):4246-55); Wu, D. et al. (1992)(“SODIUM DODECYL SULFATE-CAPILLARY GEL ELECTROPHORESIS OF PROTEINS USINGNON-CROSS-LINKED P OLYACRYLAMIDE,” J. Chromatogr. 608:349-356); Lausch,R. et al. (1993) (“RAPID CAPILLARY GEL ELECTROPHORESIS OF PROTEINS,” J.Chromatogr. 654:190-195); Manabe, T. et al. (1998) (“SIZE SEPARATION OFSODIUM DODECYL SULFATE COMPLEXES OF HUMAN PLASMA PROTEINS BY CAPILLARYELECTROPHORESIS EMPLOYING LINEAR POLYACRYLAMIDE As A SIEVING POLYMER,”Electrophoresis 19:2308-2316); and Ganzler, K. et al. (1992)(“High-Performance Capillary Electrophoresis of SDS-Protein ComplexesUsing UV-Transparent Polymer Networks,” Anal. Chem. 64:2665-2671).

In contrast, “Capillary Zone Electrophoresis” (“CZE,” also known asfree-solution CE (FSCE)) separates analytes based on differences intheir charge densities. These differences cause differingelectrophoretic mobilities, and hence differing velocities of migration.In general terms, CZE involves introducing a sample into a capillarytube and applying an electric field to the tube. The electric fieldpulls the sample through the tube and separates it into its constituentparts (i.e., each of the sample constituents has its own electrophoreticmobility; those having greater mobility travel through the capillaryfaster than those with slower mobility). As a result, the constituentsof the sample are resolved into discrete zones in the capillary tubeduring their migration through the tube. An on-line detector can be usedto continuously monitor the separation and provide data as to thevarious constituents based upon the discrete zones. The detectormeasures the absorbance of light by each constituent at a specifiedwavelength; different constituents absorb light differently, and,because of this, the constituents can be differentiated from each other.

Two general categories of CZE can be described, depending upon thecontents of the capillary columns. In “gel” CZE, the capillary tube isfilled with a suitable gel, e.g., polyacrylamide gel. Separation of theconstituents in the sample is predicated in part by the size and chargeof the constituents traveling through the gel matrix. In “open” CZE, thecapillary tube is filled with an electrically conductive buffersolution. Upon ionization of the capillary, the negatively chargedcapillary wall will attract a layer of positive ions from the buffer. Asthese ions flow towards the cathode, under the influence of theelectrical potential, the bulk solution (the buffer solution and thesample being analyzed), must also flow in this direction to maintainelectroneutrality. This electroendosmatic flow provides a fixed velocitycomponent which drives both neutral species and ionic species,regardless of charge, towards the cathode. Fused silica is principallyutilized as the material for the capillary tube because it can withstandthe relatively high voltage used in CZE, and because the inner walls ofa fused silica capillary ionize to create the negative charge whichcauses the desired electroendosmatic flow (see, e.g., W09310258A1).

To achieve optimal separation using CZE, it is important that theemployed buffer solution be homogeneous and that a constant fieldstrength be used throughout the length of the capillary. The separationrelies principally on the pH controlled dissociation of acidic groups onthe solute or the protonation of basic functions on the solute. Thus,the ability of CZE to separate analytes and the degree or extent of suchseparation can be enhanced by altering the pH of the buffer system, orby altering its ionic strength. Typically, the pH of the buffersutilized in open CZE is chosen with reference to the isoelectric points(pl) of the constituents in the sample.

CZE is discussed by Quirino, J. P. et al. (2001) (“SAMPLE STACKING OF CATIONIC AND ANIONIC ANALYTES IN CAPILLARY ELECTROPHORESIS,” J ChromatogrA. 902(1):119-135); Kasicka, V. (2004) (“RECENT ADVANCES IN CAPILLARYELECTROPHORESIS AND CAPILLARY ELECTROCHROMATOGRAPHY OF PEPTIDES,”Electrophoresis 24(22-23):4013-4046); Kasicka, V. (2001) (“RECENTADVANCES IN CAPILLARY ELECTROPHORESIS OF PEPTIDES,” Electrophoresis22(19):4139-4162); Bossuyt, X. (2003) (“SEPARATION OF SERUM PROTEINS BYAUTOMATED CAPILLARY ZONE ELECTROPHORESIS,” Clin Chem Lab Med.41(6):762-772); and Monton, M. R. (2005) (“RECENT DEVELOPMENTS INCAPILLARY ELECTROPHORESIS-MASS SPECTROMETRY OF PROTEINS AND PEPTIDES,”Anal Sci. 21(1):5-13), in U.S. Patent Publications Nos. 2002/0029968(Tan et al.); 2002/0055184 (Naylor et al.); 2002/0119482 (Nelson etal.); 2003/0057092 (Chien et al.); 2003/0217923 (Harrison et al.);2003/0224436 (Nelson et al.); U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,483,773 (Yang); U.S. Pat.No. 4,793,920 (Cortes et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 5,120,413 (Chen et al.);U.S. Pat. No. 5,139,630 (Chen); U.S. Pat. No. 5,145,567 (Hseih et al.);U.S. Pat. No. 5,164,055 (Dubrow); U.S. Pat. No. 5,202,006 (Chen); U.S.Pat. No. 5,264,095 (Hseih et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 5,310,462 (Chen); U.S.Pat. No. 5,340,452 (Brenner et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 5,348,658 (Fuchs etal.); U.S. Pat. No. 5,405,782 (Kohn et al.); U.S. Pat. No 5,423,966(Wiktorowicz); U.S. Pat. No. 5,453,382 (Novotny et al.); U.S. Pat. No.5,571,680 (Chen); U.S. Pat. No. 5,593,559 (Wiktorowicz); U.S. Pat. No.5,599,433 (Keo et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 5,753,094 (Alter et al.); U.S.Pat. No. 5,766,435 (Liao et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 5,770,029 (Nelson etal.); U.S. Pat. No. 5,999,681 (Grabbe et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 6,007,690(Nelson et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 6,074,541 (Srinivasan et al.); U.S. Pat.No. 6,074,827 (Nelson et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 6,344,326 (Nelson et al.);U.S. Pat. No. 6,416,642 (Alajoki et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 6,428,666 (Singhet al.); U.S. Pat. No. 6,432,290 (Harrison et al.); U.S. Pat. No.6,475,362 (Gorfinkel et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 6,475,363 (Ramsey); U.S.Pat. No. 6,613,525 (Nelson et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 6,664,104 (Pourahmadiet al.); U.S. Pat. No. 6,686,035 (Jiang et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 6,695,009(Chien et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 6,759,126 (Malik et al.); U.S. Pat. No.6,764,817 (Schneider); U.S. Pat. No. 6,770,201 (Shepodd et al.); andU.S. Pat. No. 6,787,016 (Tan et al.); in European Patent Documents No.EP 0852007A1; EP 0572604A1; EP0518475A1; and EP0517370A1; and in PCTPublication No. W09310258A1.

The high peak capacity (i.e., the number of peaks separated per unittime) biomolecules, including proteins and peptides (Kasicka, V. (2004)“RECENT ADVANCES IN CAPILLARY ELECTROPHORESIS AND CAPILLARYELECTROCHROMATOGRAPHY OF PEPTIDES,” Electrophoresis 24(22-23):4013-4046; Kasicka, V. (2001) “RECENT ADVANCES IN CAPILLARYELECTROPHORESIS OF PEPTIDES,” Electrophoresis 22(19):4139-4162; Bossuyt,X. (2003) “SEPARATION OF SERUM PROTEINS BY AUTOMATED CAPILLARY ZONEELECTROPHORESIS,” Clin Chem Lab Med. 41(6):762-772); Monton, M. R.(2005) “RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN CAPILLARY ELECTROPHORESIS-MASSSPECTROMETRY OF PROTEINS AND PEPTIDES,” Anal Sci. 21(1):5-13); nucleicacid molecules (Mitchelson, K. R. (2001) “THE APPLICATION OF CAPILLARYELECTROPHORESIS FOR DNA POLYMORPHISM A NALYSIS,” Methods Mol Biol.162:3-26); drugs (Hilhorst, M. J. et al. (2001) “CAPILLARYELECTROKINETIC SEPARATION TECHNIQUES FOR PROFILING OF DRUGS A ND RELATEDPRODUCTS,” Electrophoresis 22(12):2542-2564), agricultural compounds(Menzinger, F. et al. (2000) “ANALYSIS OF AGROCHEMICALS BY CAPILLARYELECTROPHORESIS,” J Chromatogr A. 891(1):45-67), and even bacteria andviruses (Kremser, L. et al. (2004) “CAPILLARY ELECTROPHORESIS OFBIOLOGICAL PARTICLES: V IRUSES, BACTERIA, AND EUKARYOTIC CELLS,”Electrophoresis 25(14):2282-2291).

Although CZE has multiple advantages, the CZE detection limit based onconcentrations is far less than that of HPLC, and is not sufficient formany practical applications. The limitations of CZE reflect the veryshort in-capillary path length (i.e., detector window) of the flow cellof capillary tubes (typically only 1% of the path length of an HPLC flowcell). The short path length means that higher concentrations ofanalytes must be present in order to be detected (Shihabi, Z. K. (2000)“STACKING IN CAPILLARY ZONE ELECTROPHORESIS,” J. Chromatogr A.902(1):107-117)

In certain situations, the concentrations of analytes found in a samplemay therefore be too low to permit the use of CZE separation methods.Although such samples may be concentrated using conventional methods,the resulting small volumes encumber sample manipulation, and suchhandling may cause a loss of analyte. In some cases the ionic profile ofsamples may be compromised by electrokinetic injection, leading to pooraccuracy. High salt content in the sample may also lead to problems withhigh localized currents causing unwanted heating.

One approach to the problem of improving the sensitivity of CZE involvesadjusting the capillary detection window (Quirino, J. P. et al. (2001)“SAMPLE STACKING OF CATIONIC AND ANIONIC ANALYTES IN CAPILLARY ELECTROPHORESIS,” J Chromatogr A. 902(1):119-135). Such adjustments canprovide a ten-fold improvement in response. Enhanced detection meanshave also been employed to address the problem of analyzing dilutesamples. Such means have included mass spectrometry, opticalfluorescence, electrochemical oxidation or reduction, plasma resonance,radioactivity, refractive index, and conductivity. Very dilute analytescan remain undetectable despite the use of the most sensitive of knowndetection methods (see, e.g., Naylor et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,800,692)).

Another way to improve detection of dilute analytes is to concentratethe analytes prior to, or concurrent with, separation. Preseparation orconcurrent analyte concentration methods, coupled with the use of asensitive detection method, greatly increase the usefulness and efficacyof CE. Present off-line preseparation concentration methods are,however, time-consuming and suffer from various sample-handling riskssuch as contamination or sample loss due to spill or adsorption ontocontainer walls. Various on-line focusing methods have been developed inresponse to these problems. One approach to the problem involvesmanipulating the composition of the sample and background solutions tocause the analyte molecules to “stack.” Stacking is obtained whenionized analyte molecules, placed in a low conductivity region of thecolumn are induced by an electric field to move to a high conductivityregion of the column. Because the low conductivity region willexperience a higher electric field than the high conductivity region,analyte molecules in the low conductivity region will migrate rapidly tothe barrier between the two regions, thereby causing a 10- to more than1,000—fold enhancement in the sensitivity of detection (Quirino, J. P.et al. (2001) “SAMPLE STACKING OF CATIONIC AND ANIONIC ANALYTES INCAPILLARY ELECTROPHORESIS,” J Chromatogr A. 902(1):119-135; Shihabi, Z.K. (2000) “STACKING IN CAPILLARY ZONE ELECTROPHORESIS,” J Chromatogr A.902(1):107-117; Gebauer, P. et al. (2003) “THEORY OF SYSTEM ZONES INCAPILLARY ZONE ELECTROPHORESIS,” Electrophoresis 23(12):1779-1785;Beckers, J. L. et al. (2000) “SAMPLE STACKING IN CAPILLARY ZONEELECTROPHORESIS: P RINCIPLES, A DVANTAGES AND LIMITATIONS,”Electrophoresis 21(14):2747-2767; Beckers, J. L. et al. (2001) “SYSTEMZONES IN CAPILLARY ZONE ELECTROPHORESIS,” ElectrophoresisOct;22(17):3648-3658).

While such stacking is thus of some benefit, it has certain significantlimitations. Significantly, although stacking improves the ability todetect an analyte, it also increases the concentration of contaminatinganalyte species. Stacking is possible only in situations in which thetarget analyte is present at a concentration below that of thebackground electrolytes (Beckers, J. L. et al. (2000) “SAMPLE STACKINGIN CAPILLARY ZONE ELECTROPHORESIS: P RINCIPLES, A DVANTAGES ANDLIMITATIONS,” Electrophoresis 21(14):2747-2767). Moreover, the abilityto resolve two analytes in CZE is directly proportional to one-half thedifference in their respective migration times, and inverselyproportional to the sum of the standard deviations of the analyte peaks.Thus, since the size of the analyte peaks is affected by the samplevolume, the use of larger sample volumes can adversely affect peakresolution (Beckers, J. L. et al. (2000) “SAMPLE S TACKING IN CAPILLARYZONE ELECTROPHORESIS: P RINCIPLES, ADVANTAGES AND L IMITATIONS,”Electrophoresis 21(14):2747-2767). Methods of accomplishing stacking arediscussed by Shihabi, Z. K. (2000) (“STACKING IN CAPILLARY ZONE ELECTROPHORESIS,” J Chromatogr A. 902(1):107-117). The art has thereforesought alternative solutions to enhance the sensitivity of CZE.

Various mechanical measures have been used to facilitate theconcentration of analytes. Guzman (U.S. Pat. No. 5,202,010) discloses ananalyte concentrator comprising a tubular structure containingfluid-permeable end plates and a plurality of small bodies coated withantibodies or other chemical entities selected for their ability to bindto target analytes in the sample being analyzed. In operation, afterbeing permitted to contact the sample analytes, the capillary is washedto remove excess material, and the trapped target analytes, which havebeen concentrated onto the small bodies of the structure, are thenremoved and processed for study. As will be appreciated, significanthandling of the analytes is required. Guzman (U.S. Pat. No. 6,406,604)discloses an analyte concentrator having greater efficiency. Thedisclosed apparatus comprises a relatively large-bore transportcapillary that intersects with a plurality of small-bore separationcapillaries. Analyte present in the large bore capillary become capturedand accumulate at the sites of intersection between the large-borecapillary and the separation capillaries. Naylor et al. (U.S. Pat. No.5,800,692) describe a preseparation processor for use in capillaryelectrophoresis. The processor contains a sample processing material,preferably in the form of a membrane, gel or packed beads, forconcentrating or chemically processing a sample, or catalyzing achemical reaction. It is stated to be particularly suited to theconcentration of dilute samples or the purification of contaminatedsamples. Zare et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 6,136,187) disclose a frit-lesscapillary separation device in which particles are embedded in a poroussilane sol-gel matrix. Charged and uncharged molecules are embedded intothe sol-gel matrix. The volatile components are allowed to evaporate,producing a hard porous glass. Different functionalized or derivatizedsol-gel precursors can be used to prepare sol-gel glasses with differentphysical properties, such as pore size and surface charge. The porosityof the glass allows diffusion of protons and other neutral or ionicspecies, but restricts significant amounts of chromatographic particlesfrom leaving the glass matrix. While the approach of Zare et al. (U.S.Pat. No. 6,136,187) provides certain advantages, considerable time isrequired to prepare the columns, and the requirement that the matrix beinoculated with sample prior to solidification limits peak resolution.

Thus, despite all such prior advances, a need remains for methods andapparatus that could overcome the problems of analyzing dilute samplesand thereby extend the utility of CZE to permit the analysis of lowconcentration samples. The present invention is directed to this andother needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:

In detail, the invention provides a sol-gel concentrating devicecomprising a channel that contains a column of a monolith of apolymerized alkylsilicate gel matrix containing chromatographic sorbentparticles, wherein the gel matrix is polymerized under conditionssufficient to permit evaporation of solvent without substantialdestabilization of the monolith.

The invention particularly concerns the embodiment of such sol-gelconcentrating device wherein the channel is a microchannel, a capillarytube, a column, etc. The invention particularly concerns the embodimentsof such a device wherein the gel matrix is polymerized within acapillary tube that is bounded by porous frits, and a micro-channelembedded within a chip or plate.

The invention additionally concerns the embodiments of such sol-gelconcentrating devices wherein the alkylsilicate gel matrix is atetraethylorthosilicate gel matrix, wherein the chromatographic sorbentparticles are octadecylsilica particles, and/or wherein the sol-gel ispolymerized via step-wise, multistep incubation.

The invention particularly concerns the embodiments of such sol-gelconcentrating devices wherein the step-wise, multistep incubationcomprises heating under conditions suitable to promote thepolymerization of the monolith without causing significant evaporationof solvent, followed by incubation under conditions sufficient topromote the evaporation of solvent from the polymerized monolith,followed by incubation under conditions sufficient to cure thealkylsilicate gel matrix. The invention particularly concerns theembodiments of such sol-gel concentrating devices wherein the device isemployed in an analytical or preparative process to promote theconcentrating of an analyte of a sample.

The invention additionally concerns the embodiments of such sol-gelconcentrating devices wherein the analytical or preparative process isselected form the group consisting of liquid chromatography, capillaryzone eletrophoresis, capillary electrophoresis, capillaryelectrochromatography (CEC), reverse phase chromatography, ion-exchangechromatography, affinity chromarography and normal phase chromatography.

The invention particularly concerns the embodiments of such sol-gelconcentrating devices wherein the analytical or preparative process isselected form the group consisting of an immunoassay and an enzymaticreaction, and/or wherein the analyte is selected from the groupconsisting of: a protein, a peptide, a nucleic acid molecule, a drug, anagricultural compound, a bacteria and a virus.

The invention further provides a method for concentrating an analyte ina sample being subjected to an analytical or preparative process,wherein the method comprises concentrating the analyte using a sol-gelconcentrating device comprising a monolith of a polymerizedalkylsilicate gel matrix containing chromatographic sorbent particles,wherein the gel matrix is polymerized under conditons sufficient topermit evaporation of solvent without substantial destabilization of themonolith.

The invention particularly concerns the embodiments of such methodwherein the device is polymerized within a capillary tube, and isbounded by porous frits, wherein the alkylsilicate gel matrix is atetraethylorthosilicate gel matrix wherein the chromatographic sorbentparticles are octadecylsilica particles, and/or wherein the sol-gel ispolymerized via step-wise, multistep incubation.

The invention additionally concerns the embodiments of such methodswherein the step-wise, multistep incubation comprises heating underconditions suitable to promote the polymerization of the monolithwithout causing significant evaporation of solvent, followed byincubation under conditions sufficient to promote the evaporation ofsolvent from the polymerized monolith, followed by incubation underconditions sufficient to cure the alkylsilicate gel matrix.

The invention particularly concerns the embodiments of such methodswherein the device is employed in an analytical or preparative processto promote the concentrating of an analyte of a sample.

The invention additionally concerns the embodiments of such methodswherein the analytical or preparative process is selected from the groupconsisting of liquid chromatography, capillary zone electrophoresis,capillary electrophoresis, capillary electrochromatography (CEC),reverse phase chromatography, ion-exchange chromatography, affinitychromatography and normal phase chromatography.

The invention particularly concerns the embodiments of such methodswherein the analytical or preparative process is selected from the groupconsisting of an immunoassay and an enzymatic reaction.

The invention additionally concerns the embodiments of such methodswherein the analyte is selected from the group consisting of: a protein,a peptide, a nucleic acid molecule, a drug, an agricultural compound, abacteria and a virus.

BRIEf DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES:

FIG. 1 illustrates the hydrolysis and polymerization of TEOS inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a concentration device of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates the process of analyte concentration, elution andseparation using a concentration device of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates the resolution of a sample using CZE.

FIG. 5A shows the enhanced separation obtained through the use of thepresent invention. FIG. 5B shows the capacity of the invention toseparate peaks of the horse cytochrome C (Hcytc) digest even atconcentrations as low as 8000 picomol/ml.

FIG. 6 shows the ability of the concentrating devices of the presentinvention to separate digest products of sheep cytochrome C (ShCytc) andpig cytochrome C (PcCytc), consisting of identical amino acidsequences).

FIG. 7 shows the reproducibility of analyte separation using theconcentrating devices of the present invention. Shown are the separationprofiles for runs 1-10of samples containing reduced and alkylated Hcytc,after 15 runs on another instrument.

FIG. 8 shows the reproducibility of analyses of digests of Hcytc.

FIG. 9 shows the ability of the methods and apparatus of the presentinvention to separate peptide digestion products of yeast hexokinase.

FIG. 10 shows the reproducibility of multiple analyses of digests ofyeast hexokinase.

FIG. 11 illustrates the ability of the devices of the present inventionto detect extremely low amounts of analytes. The traces showelectroferograms of bovine hexokinase digests obtained using a sol-gelcapillary for different time intervals: 0.2 picomoles (pmoles) injectedand 1.0 pmoles/μl eluted (Trace A); 6.25 pmoles injected and 89fmoles/μl eluted (Trace B); 1.25 fmoles injected and 17.8 fmoles/μleluted (Trace C).

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates to novel methods and apparatus forimproving the sensitivity of analytical or preparative techniques (suchas capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE), etc.) and, in particular,addresses the need to extend the utility of such techniques to permittheir use in the analysis of analytes present in a sample at lowconcentration. The invention particularly concerns concentrating devicesthat comprise channels containing in-line sol-gel columns.

As used herein, the term “channel” is intended to broadly encompass adevice that permits the flow of analytes. Such channels, and the columnswithin them may be of any length or geometry (e.g., cylindrical,“V”-shaped, open troughs, closed tubular, etc.). The devices maycomprise a porous column packing material bounded by porous frits.Suitable channels may be preparative or analytical columns (e.g.,channels having an internal cross-sectional diameter of >2 mm),capillaries (e.g., channels having an internal cross-sectional diameterof 20 μm-2 mm), or microchannels (e.g., channels having an internalcross-sectional diameter of <20μm), etc.

As used herein, the term “gel” is intended to refer to a system of atleast two components, in which one component provides a sufficientstructural framework for rigidity and other component(s) fill(s) thespace between the structural units or spaces (see, The Encyclopedia ofChemistry, ⁴th Edition (Considine et al., Van Nostrum Reinhold, New York(1984), page 272). The term “gel” is often used to refer only tocross-linked polymers, rather than linear or branched polymers (such asdextrans) involving entangled monomers (see, e.g., Hjerten, S. et al.(1989) “HIGH-PERFORMANCE ELECTROPHORESIS OF ACIDIC AND B ASICLOW-MOLECULAR-WEIGHT COMPOUNDS AND PROTEINS IN THE PRESENCE O F POLYMERSAND NEUTRAL SURFACTANTS,” J. L IQUID CHROMATOG. 12:2471-2499), however,non-crosslinked dextran and polyacrylamide matrices used in capillaryelectrophoresis have nevertheless also been considered to be “gels (see,e.g., Kemp, G. (1998) “CAPILLARY ELECTROPHORESIS: A VERSATILE FAMILY OFANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES,” Biotechnol. Appl. Biochem. 27:9-17; Wu, D. etal. (1992) (“SODIUM DODECYL SULFATE-CAPILLARY GEL ELECTROPHORESIS OF PROTEINS USING NON-CROSS-LINKED POLYACRYLAMIDE,” J. Chromatogr.608:349-356). The gels of the present invention may be composed ofeither cross-linked or non-crosslinked polymers.

The term “sol-gel” as used herein denotes an inorganic, catalyticsilicon oxide gel, comprising small particles (“sols”) suspended withina polymerized matrix (“gel”). The sol-gel of the concentrating device(s)of the present invention will preferably comprise a silica sol-gel plug,especially a sol-gel plug that has been thermally polymerized to form asingle continuous polymerized matrix (“monolith”). In a preferredembodiment, this invention employs a metal alkoxide sol-gel process. Themetal alkoxide sol-gel process is a method of preparing metal oxideglasses by hydrolyzing a solution of water, alcohol, and a metalalkoxide source. The sources of these metal oxides, or silanes, are thealkoxy compounds of type R_(n)Si(OR′)_(4-n) as described by C. J.Brinker et al. in Sol-Gel Science, Academic Press, Inc., New York, N.Y.,1990. The most commonly used of these compounds istetraethylorthosilicate (Si(OC₂H₅)₄) (“TEOS”), although other compoundssuch as titanates, and zirconates may also be used. FIG. 1 illustratesthe hydrolysis and polymerization of TEOS in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention. As these substances polymerize,gelation of the solution occurs. If the volatile solvents in the wet gelare allowed to evaporate, the gel shrinks and hardens, creating a hardporous glass. Most preferably, such plugs can be produced by introducinga mixture comprising: (a) an alkyl siloxane having three alkoxy groupsand a alkyl chain or bis(trialkoxysilyl) compounds, etc., such as analkylsilicate (e.g., tetraethylorthosilicate), (b) an organic solvent(e.g., ethanol, methanol, propanol, toluene, etc.), and (c) an inorganicacid (e.g., hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, nitric acid, etc. (theuse of nitric acid is preferred) into the capillary tube, and thenheating the mixture until a gel forms.

In preferred embodiments, sol of the sol-gel column will comprise aparticle, for example, polystyrene, latex, ion-exchange resin,polyacrylamide, nylon, polyvinylpyrrolidone, or octadecylsilica (ODS)particles such as Ultrasphere particles (Beckman Coulter, Inc.). Suchparticles can be of any of a variety of desired sizes and willpreferably be porous, possessing any of a variety of desired pore sizeswhich shall depend on the size of the analytes that are to be separated(e.g., 100 Å, 500 Å, 3 μm, 5μm, 10μm, etc.). The particles arepreferably coated with a silane, especially a silane having 4, 8, or 18carbons). The surface(s) of the particles are preferably modified withorganic or inorganic functional groups. Organic polymers (such aspolyethylene glycol) may additionally be included. The pore sizes of thegel can be controlled by varying the size of the sorbent particles orthe ratios of water and organic solvent employed (Martin, J. et al.(2001) “MECHANICAL AND ACOUSTICAL PROPERTIES As A FUNCTION OF PEGCONCENTRATION IN MACROPOROUS SILICA GELS,” J. Non-Crystalline Solids285:222-229).

Any of a wide range of compositions may be used in the sol-gel columnsof the concentrating devices of the present invention. For example, theuse of nitric acid in the range of 0.1 M to 1.0 M is acceptable. As afurther example, a suitable composition may comprise TEOS (e.g., 356 μlof 99.9% TEOS) without the addition of an organic solvent. The use ofdifferent relative concentrations of the components of such compositionswill alter the properties of the resulting solgel monolith such asporosity and mechanical strength. An exemplary composition containsapproximately 200 μl of 99.9% TEOS dissolved in approximately 156 μl of99.5% ethanol and mixed with approximately 258 μmoles of nitric acid(e.g., 258 μl of 1.0 N HN0 ₃). Approximately 485 mg of particles(forming a 75% w/v composition) is employed with such gel components.Such compositions can be scaled up or down to accommodate desiredsol-gel volumes.

The sol-gel column of the devices of the present invention is preferablypolymerized using heat, and most preferably, a step-wise, multistepheating process will be employed. In one preferred multi-step process,the sol-gel components are heated under conditions suitable toaccelerate the polymerization of the gel materials without causingsignificant evaporation of the ethanol. In such heating step,evaporation is considered “significant” if it is of an extent sufficientto cause substantial destabilization of the monolith. Incubations attemperatures of between 35°-60° C. are suitable. More preferably, atwo-step process is employed in which the temperature is initially about35°-45° C., and is then raised to about 45°-55° C. An exemplary two-stepprocedure involves heating the sol-gel for approximately 18 hours atabout 40° C. followed by an approximately 1 hour incubation at about 50°C.

Following such treatment, the sol-gel materials are preferably subjectedto further heating at temperatures sufficient to promote ethanolevaporation (e.g., 60°-80° C.). An exemplary procedure involves heatingthe sol-gel for approximately 16-18hours at about 70° C. As theformation of the polymer network (“matrix”) has already been initiated,the evaporation of the ethanol does not substantially destabilize themonolith. As used herein, a monolith of the present invention is said tohave been “substantially” destabilized if it exhibits cracks, fissuresor other defects that preclude its use as a concentrating device inaccordance with the objectives of the present invention.

Thus, the use of the multi-step incubation procedure, by delaying theevaporation of ethanol until after a polymer network has commenced toform, results in a polymer network that is sufficiently strong to holdthe monolith together during the ethanol evaporation. Therefore,monoliths of precise length can be made in a very reproducible manner.The prior art (Zare et al.; U. S. Pat. No. 6,136,187) use of a single100° C. heating step creates high ethanol vapor pressure prior to theformation of a strong matrix, thus destabilizing the monolith, andbreaking it into small pieces.

Following such treatment, the sol-gel materials are preferably subjectedto further heating at temperatures sufficient to cure the alkylsilicategel matrix. Incubations at temperatures of between 90°-130° C. aresuitable. More preferably, a two-step process is employed in which thetemperature is initially about 90°-110° C., and then is raised to about110°-130° C. An exemplary two-step procedure involves heating thesol-gel for at least approximately 1 hour at about 100° C. followed byan approximately 2 hour incubation at about 120° C. Longer incubationperiods are acceptable.

In a preferred multi-step process, the sol-gel components are heated for1 hour at 25° C., then for 16-18 hours at 40° C., then for 1 hour at 50°C., then for 16-18 hours at 70° C., then for 1 hour at 100° C., then for2 hours at 120° C.

Polymerization is most preferably conducted wholly or partially withinthe channel (e.g., capillary, microchannel, etc.) desired for thedevice. Thus, the unpolymerized material, partially polymerizedmaterial, or completely polymerized material of the column is introducedor otherwise applied to the device to form the desired channel. Thecolumn of the resultant channel is preferably washed and equilibratedprior to use. Samples may be applied or injected into the column andconcentrated onto the column by pressure, vacuum from the outlet,electrokinetically, etc.. Impurities including salts, which aredetrimental to MS analyzers, can be washed out prior to the elution ofthe sample. Sample analytes may then be eluted with a buffer containing,for example, an organic solvent able to remove some, and preferably,essentially all, of the absorbed analytes in a thin, concentrated sampleplug. Application of separation voltage brings about resolution of thecomponents by CZE. Since the analytes have been concentrated theirdetection is far more accurate.

Preferably, the nature of the sol-gel/particle matrix is such thatdesorption of a high proportion of the analytes can occur efficientlywith a minimum required volume of solvent. In one preferred embodiment,a capillary channel is employed, and the column is firmly positionedadjacent to (or anchored to) the wall of the capillary, enabling it towithstand repeated pressurization during sample application. In a secondpreferred embodiment, a microchannel channel is employed, and the columnis applied to a chip or plate so as to form the desired microchannel.Preferably, the sol-gel matrix and chromatographic particles of such thedevices of the present invention are selected to be chemically stableand to allow repeated, similar, adsorptions and desorptions of sampleanalytes so as to be multiply reusable. Alternatively, the columns ofsuch devices may be designed for single-use analysis.

In preferred embodiments, the dimensions of the column will be nogreater than about 5 mm in length, and will have an internal diameter inthe range of from about 25 μm to about 360 μm. Larger or smaller columnsmay of course be employed. Preferably, the column size will be selectedto that sufficient sorbent is present to provide a binding capacity forselected analytes which, when desorbed, permit adequate detectabilityand resolution for the analysis being investigated. While the presentinvention is particularly suitable for use in capillary zoneelectrophoresis, it will be appreciated that the solgel compositions anddevices of the present invention may comprise columns of any diameter orlength, and may include micro-bore or nano-bore columns suitable for usein a broad range of alternative analytical and preparative procedures(e.g., liquid chromatography (e.g., micro or nano liquidchromatography), capillary electrophoresis, capillaryelectrochromatography (CEC), reverse phase chromatography, ion-exchangechromatography, affinity chromatography, normal phase chromatography,enzymatic reaction, etc.).

The concentrating devices of the present invention may be used in theanalysis of a wide range of biomolecules, including proteins andpeptides, nucleic acid molecules, drugs, agricultural compounds,bacteria and viruses.

The use of the above-described sol-gel concentrating device facilitatesanalysis of low concentration samples. A subsequent injection of a smallvolume of eluting solvent rapidly removes the sample in a highlyconcentrated and often purified form. Manipulation of even the smallestsamples is readily achieved via the conventional operation of thecapillary electrophoresis system. Large samples volumes are readilyaccommodated since the analytes they contain are progressivelyconcentrated on the mini column before being des orbed in a small volumeof eluting solvent. Concentration of the sample can be achieved usingpressure, vacuum or voltage.

The compositions and methods of the present invention are particularlysuitable for use in automated or semi-automated capillaryelectrophoretic systems (for example in concert with the teachings ofU.S. Pat. Nos. 6,001,230; 5,320,730, etc.). A particularly preferredsuch electrophoretic system includes a P/ACE MDQ (Beckman-Coulter)configured with a selectable-wavelength UV/Vis (for example, 200, 214,254 and 280 nm) detector, UV source optics, a dual-wavelengthlaser-induced fluorescence detector, a 488 nm argon ion laser module, atemperature-controlled sample storage module, and 32 Karat™ Software(Beckman-Coulter) configured on an IBM personal computer.

The compositions and methods of the present invention are alsoparticularly suitable for use in analytical methods that employmicrochannels. Methods for forming and using microchannels are describedby: Backhouse, C. J. et al. (2003) (“IMPROVED RESOLUTION WITHMICROCHIP-BASED ENHANCED FIELD I NVERSION ELECTROPHORESIS,Electrophoresis 24(11):1777-1786), Bharadwaj, R. et al. (2002) (“DESIGNAND OPTIMIZATION OF ON-CHIP CAPILLARY E LECTROPHORESIS, Electrophoresis23(16):2729-2744), Bromberg, A. et al. (2004) (“MULTICHANNEL HOMOGENEOUSIMMUNOASSAY FOR DETECTION OF 2,4,6-TRINITROTOLUENE (TNT) U SING AMICROFABRICATED CAPILLARY ARRAY E LECTROPHORESIS CHIP, Electrophoresis25(12):1895-1900), Chen, G. et al. (2004) (“FAST AND SIMPLE SAMPLEINTRODUCTION FOR CAPILLARY ELECTROPHORESIS M ICROSYSTEMS, Analyst129(6):507-511 (Epub 2004 Apr. 20), Chen, S. H. et al. (2002)(“FLOW-THROUGH SAMPLING FOR ELECTROPHORESIS-BASED MICROCHIPS A ND THEIRAPPLICATIONS FOR PROTEIN ANALYSIS, Anal. Chem. 74(19):5146-5153),Doherty, E. A. et al. (2003) (“MICROCHANNEL WALL COATINGS FOR PROTEINSEPARATIONS BY CAPILLARY AND CHIP ELECTROPHORESIS, Electrophoresis24(1-2):34-54), Du, Y. et al. (2005) (“MICROCHIP CAPILLARYELECTROPHORESIS WITH SOLID-STATE ELECTROCHEMILUMINESCENCE DETECTOR,Anal. Chem. 77(24):7993-7997), Futterer, C. et al. (2004) (“INJECTIONAND FLOW CONTROL SYSTEM FOR MICROCHANNELS, Lab Chip. 4(4):351-356(Epub2004 May 11)), Griffiths, S. K. et al. (2002) (“DESIGN AND ANALYSIS OFFOLDED CHANNELS FOR CHIP-BASED SEPARATIONS, Anal. Chem.74(13):2960-2967), Hong, J. W. et al. (2001) (“MICROFABRICATED POLYMERCHIP FOR CAPILLARY GEL ELECTROPHORESIS, Biotechnol. Prog.17(5):958-962), Jung, B. et al. (2006) (“ON-CHIP MILLIONFOLD SAMPLESTACKING USING TRANSIENT ISOTACHOPHORESIS, Anal. Chem. 78(7):2319-2327),Lee, G. B. et al. (2005) (“ON THE SURFACE MODIFICATION OF MICROCHANNELSFOR MICROCAPILLARY ELECTROPHORESIS C HIPS, Electrophoresis26(24):4616-4624), Li, H. F. et al. (2004) (“A COMPACTLY INTEGRATEDLASER-INDUCED FLUORESCENCE DETECTOR FOR MICROCHIP E LECTROPHORESIS,Electrophoresis 25(12):1907-1915), Li, M. W. et al. (2006) (“DESIGN ANDCHARACTERIZATION OF POLY(DIMETHYLSILOXANE)-BASED VALVES FOR INTERFACINGCONTINUOUS-FLOW SAMPLING To MICROCHIP ELECTROPHORESIS, Anal Chem.78(4):1042-1051), Lichtenberg, J. et al. (2002) (“A MICROCHIPELECTROPHORESIS SYSTEM WITH INTEGRATED IN-PLANE E LECTRODES FORCONTACTLESS CONDUCTIVITY DETECTION, Electrophoresis 23(21):3769-3780),Liu, J. et al. (2004) (“SURFACE-MODIFIED POLY(METHYL METHACRYLATE)CAPILLARY ELECTROPHORESIS MICROCHIPS FOR PROTEIN AND PEPTIDE ANALYSIS,Anal. Chem. 76(23):6948-6955), Liu, Y. et al. (2005) (“STACKING DUE ToIONIC TRANSPORT NUMBER MISMATCH DURING SAMPLE SWEEPING ON MICROCHIPS,Lab Chip 5(4):457-465(Epub 2005 Mar. 7)), Pallandre, A. et al. (2006)(“SURFACE TREATMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION: P ERSPECTIVES To ELECTROPHORESIS AND LAB-ON-CHIPS, Electrophoresis 27(3):584-610), Petsev,D. N. et al. (2005) (“MICROCHANNEL PROTEIN SEPARATION BY ELECTRIC F IELDGRADIENT FOCUSING, Lab Chip 5(6):587-597(Epub 2005 Apr. 15)), Richards,P. et al. (2002) (“FUNCTIONAL PROTEOMICS USING MICROCHANNEL P LATEDETECTORS,” P ROTEOMICS, 2(3):256-261), Rossier, J. et al. (2002)(“POLYMER MICROFLUIDIC CHIPS FOR ELECTROCHEMICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL ANALYSES, Electrophoresis 23(6):858-867), Scherer, J. R. Et Al. (2001)(“HIGH-PRESSURE G EL LOADER FOR CAPILLARY ARRAY ELECTROPHORESIS MICROCHANNEL PLATES, Biotechniques 31(5):1150-1152, 1154), Wang, K. etal. (2006) (“MICROCHANNEL-ELECTRODE ALIGNMENT AND SEPARATION PARAMETERSC OMPARISON IN MICROCHIP CAPILLARY ELECTROPHORESIS BY SCANNING ELECTROCHEMICAL MICROSCOPY, J. Chromatogr. A. 1110(1-2):222-226(Epub 2006Feb. 3)), and Xuan, X. et al. (2005) (“ACCELERATED PARTICLE ELECTROPHORETIC MOTION AND SEPARATION IN CONVERGING-DIVERGING MICROCHANNELS, Anal. Chem. 77(14):4323-4328).

The compositions and methods of the present invention may be employed inconcert with assay procedures (e.g., immunoassays, etc.; see U.S. Pat.No. 5,863,401) to permit the simultaneous analysis of multiple analytes.Likewise, the compositions and methods of the present invention may beemployed for quantitating the concentration of protein components and ofthe total protein in fluids (see, U.S. Pat. No. 5,490,909).

In preferred embodiments, the concentrating devices of the presentinvention additionally desalt (i.e., remove some or all undesired saltfrom) the sample. In highly preferred embodiments, the concentratingdevice is adapted to achieve the simultaneous concentration of sampleanalytes and the desalting of the applied sample. In accordance with thepresent invention, a single concentrating device, or multiple devices(arranged in series or in parallel) may be employed.

The above-described sol-gel concentrating device provides multipleadvantages over devices of the prior art. The sol-gel concentratingdevice of the present invention need not be attached to capillarypieces. Nitric acid may be employed instead of hydrochloric acid. Theuse of nitric acid is preferred since hydrochloric acid dissolvessilica, unlike nitric acid. The use of 0.1 M HCI has the addeddisadvantage of not reducing the pH as much as nitric acid, therebyresulting in only an incomplete hydrolysis prior to polycondensation togive a mechanically weak matrix. In contrast, the matrix formed by thepresent invention can withstand substantial pressure (e.g., 2000 psi ormore). Additionally, the sol-gel concentrating device of the presentinvention uses less ethanol and more particles than prior art devices.Such attributes make the sol-gel monolith of the present invention lesssusceptible to cracks and fissures. The use of bare silica can beavoided by the present invention (thereby avoiding problems with basiccompounds such as the irreversible adsorption of basic proteins andpeptides). Further, the use of a step-wise heating processadvantageously secure the monolith and avoids the formation ofdiscontinuous pieces.

Having now generally described the invention, the same will be morereadily understood through reference to the following examples, whichare provided by way of illustration and are not intended to be limitingof the present invention unless specified.

EXAMPLE 1 CZE Analysis Using Preferred Concentrating Device

A column concentrating device is formulated in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention. The column is prepared fromcapillary tubes having internal diameters of 25-360 μm. The columnmaterials are: tetraethylorthosilicate (200 μl), Ethanol (156 μl) 1.0 Mnitric acid (258 μl), and chromatography particles of varying size andpore volume (e.g., 455 mg of 5 μm Ultrasphere® paticles (BeckmanCoulter, Inc.).

The following column filling process is employed: Dissolve 200 μl oftetraethylorthosilicate in 156 μl of ethanol by vortexing briefly. Thenadd 258 μl of 1.0 M nitric acid and vortex until the solution is clearand uniform. Slowly add particles and vortex carefully to mix particleswith the solution until all the particles are properly wet. Sonicate theslurry briefly to remove trapped air around the particles. Insertcapillaries through a Teflon® septum into the vial containing the slurryuntil the end of the capillary is submerged in the slurry. Apply about20 lbs/in² (psi) of pressure using a nitrogen tank regulator until about5-10 cm of the capillary has been filled with the slurry.

The silicate sol-gel is formed using the following heating process: Layall capillaries flat on a tray in an oven. Incubate the capillaries atroom temperature (25° C.) for 1.0 h, then heat the capillary tubeaccording to the following heating program: 400° C. for 16-18 hours,then 50° C. for 1.0 hour, then 70° C. for 16-18 hours, then 100° C. for1 hour, and then 120° C. for 2 hours.

FIG. 2 illustrates a concentrating device of the present invention. FIG.3 illustrates the process of analyte concentration, elution andseparation using a concentration device of the present invention. Asshown in FIG. 3, a concentrating device (concentrator) is provided in acapillary tube containing a desired CZE matrix. Sample is introduced andpermitted to bind to the matrix of the concentrating device. Washingwith elution buffer results in a concentrating of the sample.Application of an electric field results in electrophoresis andseparation of the sample analytes.

FIG. 4 illustrates the separation profile obtained using a concentratingdevice of the present invention.

FIG. 5A shows the enhanced separation obtained through the use of thepresent invention. As shown in FIG. 5A, no useful separation of horseheart cytochrome C (Hcytc) digest is obtained in the absence ofpre-concentration (0.2) psi for 2 seconds, or 1.0 psi for 5 seconds).Concentration for 3, 6, or 9 minutes at 50 psi yielded on a 0.5 cmultrasphere (Beckman Coulter, Inc.) sol-gel plug increasingly betterresolved peaks. FIG. 5B shows the capacity of the invention to separatepeaks of the Hcytc digest even at concentrations as low as 8000picomol/ml.

FIG. 6 shows the ability of the concentrating devices of the presentinvention to separate digest products of sheep cytochrome C (ShCytc) andpig cytochrome C (PcCytc), consisting of identical amino acidsequences). As shown in FIG. 6, 2 minute pre-concentration with aconcentrating device of the present invention permitted the detection ofthe separated peptide fragments, under conditions in which theseparation of non-concentrated materials could not be derected.

FIG. 7 shows the reproducibility of analyte separation using theconcentrating devices of the present invention. Shown are the separationprofiles for Hcytc reduced and alkylated before digestion. The capillarycontained a 0.5 cm plug of 5 μ/sol-gel in 75 μ capillary.Electrophoresis voltage was 167 v/cm, 5 kv. sample was loaded in 0.5 Macetic acid, and was eluted in 60% acetonitrile (ACN) in loading buffer.FIG. 8 shows the reproducibility of analyses of digests of Hcytc (7pmole/μ; run 76-91; sample application: 0.4 min at 25 psi).

FIG. 9 shows the ability of the methods and apparatus of the presentinvention to separate peptide digestion products of yeast hexokinase.The yeast hexokinase preparation (5 femtomole/μl) was concentrated on asolgel concentrator for detection of absorption at 200 nm. FIG. 10 showsthe reproducibility of multiple analyses of digests of yeast hexokinase(10 nanomole/μl; run 2-10, sample application: 0.4 min at 25 psi).

FIG. 11 illustrates the extreme sensitivity of the detection obtainableusing devices of the present invention. A bovine hexokinase (52 kDa MW;50 fentomoles (fmoles)) digest was concentrated using a sol-gelcapillary for different time intervals. Trace A shows theelectroferogram for 0.2 picomoles (pmoles) injected and 1.0 pmoles/μleluted. Trace B shows the electroferogram for 6.25 pmoles injected and89 fmoles/μl eluted. Trace C shows the electroferogram for 1.25 fmolesinjected and 17.8 fmoles/μl eluted.

All publications and patents mentioned in this specification are hereinincorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individualpublication or patent application was specifically and individuallyindicated to be incorporated by refernce.

While the invention has been described in connection with specificembodiment thereof, it will be understood that it is capable of furthermodifications and this application is intended to cover any variations,uses, or adaptations of the invention following, in general, theprinciples of the invention and including such departures from thepresent disclosure as come within known or customary practice within theart to which the invention pertains and as may be applied to theessential features herein before set forth.

1. A sol-gel concentrating device comprising a channel containing acolumn of a monolith of a polymerized alkylsilicate gel matrixcontaining chromatographic sorbent particles, wherein said gel matrix ispolymerized under conditions sufficient to permit evaporation of solventwithout substantial destabilization of said monolith.
 2. The sol-gelconcentrating device of claim 1, wherein said channel of said device isa capillary tube, and is bounded by porous frits, and wherein saidcolumn of said device is polymerized within said capillary tube.
 3. Thesol-gel concentrating device of claim 1, wherein said alkylsilicate gelmatrix is a tetraethylorthosilicate gel matrix.
 4. The sol-gelconcentrating device of claim 1, wherein said chromatographic sorbentparticles are octadecylsilica particles.
 5. The sol-gel concentratingdevice of claim 1, wherein said sol-gel is polymerized via step-wise,multistep incubation.
 6. The sol-gel concentrating device of claim 5,wherein said step-wise, multistep incubation comprises heating underconditions suitable to promote the polymerization of the monolithwithout causing significant evaporation of solvent, followed byincubation under conditions sufficient to promote the evaporation ofsolvent from the polymerized monolith, followed by incubation underconditions sufficient to cure the alkylsilicate gel matrix.
 7. Thesol-gel concentrating device of claim 1, wherein said device is employedin an analytical or preparative process to promote the concentrating ofan analyte of a sample.
 8. The sol-gel concentrating device of claim 7,wherein said analytical or preparative process is selected from thegroup consisting of liquid chromatography, capillary zoneelectrophoresis, capillary electrophoresis, capillaryelectrochromatography (CEC), reverse phase chromatography, ion-exchangechromatography, affinity chromatography and normal phase chromatography.9. The sol-gel concentrating device of claim 7, wherein said analyticalor preparative process is selected from the group consisting of animmunoassay and an enzymatic reaction.
 10. The sol-gel concentratingdevice of claim 7, wherein said analyte is selected from the groupconsisting of: a protein, a peptide, a nucleic acid molecule, a drug, anagricultural compound, a bacteria and a virus.
 11. The sol-gelconcentrating device of claim 1, wherein said channel of said device isa microchannel of a chip or plate.
 12. A method for concentrating ananalyte in a sample being subjected to an analytical or preparativeprocess, wherein said method comprises concentrating said analyte usinga sol-gel concentrating device, said device comprising a channelcontaining a column of a monolith of a polymerized alkylsilicate gelmatrix containing chromatographic sorbent particles, wherein said gelmatrix is polymerized under conditions sufficient to permit evaporationof solvent without substantial destabilization of said monolith.
 13. Themethod of claim 12, wherein said device is polymerized within acapillary tube, and is bounded by porous frits.
 14. The method of claim12, wherein said alkylsilicate gel matrix is a tetraethylorthosilicategel matrix.
 15. The method of claim 12, wherein said chromatographicsorbent particles are octadecylsilica particles.
 16. The method of claim12, wherein said sol-gel is polymerized via step-wise, multistepincubation.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein said step-wise,multistep incubation comprises heating under conditions suitable topromote the polymerization of the monolith without causing significantevaporation of solvent, followed by incubation under conditionssufficient to promote the evaporation of solvent from the polymerizedmonolith, followed by incubation under conditions sufficient to cure thealkylsilicate gel matrix.
 18. The method of claim 12, wherein saiddevice is employed in an analytical or preparative process to promotethe concentrating of an analyte of a sample.
 19. The method of claim 18,wherein said analytical or preparative process is selected from thegroup consisting of liquid chromatography, capillary zoneelectrophoresis, capillary electrophoresis, capillaryelectrochromatography (CEC), reverse phase chromatography, ion-exchangechromatography, affinity chromatography and normal phase chromatography.20. The method of claim 18, wherein said analytical or preparativeprocess is selected from the group consisting of an immunoassay and anenzymatic reaction.
 21. The method of claim 18, wherein said analyte isselected from the group consisting of: a protein, a peptide, a nucleicacid molecule, a drug, an agricultural compound, a bacteria and a virus.22. The method of claim 12, wherein said channel of said device is amicrochannel of a chip or plate.